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Digital Transformation in Government Insight #2: Twitter Alerts — Helping to Keep Aussies Safe
In December 2013, Twitter launched Twitter Alerts in Australia. This service is a great example of digital transformation and how it can change the way government organisations (in this case emergency services) communicate critical information.
Twitter Alerts
Twitter set up Twitter Alerts back in September 2013 to help public safety organisations (e.g. police, fire services, etc.) get information to citizens quickly. Now, it has eight countries participating in the scheme, including the US, Australia, the UK and Japan.
Twitter Alerts in Australia
Twitter Alerts launched in Australia in December 2013, in preparation for the bushfire season. Currently, 17 organisations are enrolled in the Australian program:
Australian Government’s travel advisory
Country Fire Service South Australia
Queensland Fire & Emergency Services
How it works
Enrolled organisations can write special, critical Tweets that reach all their subscribers via push notification or SMS messages to make sure they receive the alert instantly. It’s been designed for use by emergency services and other organisations who need to provide critical information, fast.
Twitter notes that many government departments used Twitter in the past to communicate safety information quickly — Twitter Alerts were developed to embrace this use of Twitter, adding in the essential push notifications/SMS messages feature.
Salsa’s take
Twitter is a great example of a website/app that has completely changed the way we interact with each other. Salsa suggests you sign up for Alerts in your area (use the links above) and if you’re in government/emergency services enroll your organisation in the Twitter Alert program.